Clarins 'Eye Contour Gel' Review

Hey lovelies,

Today I've got a skincare review for you on the Clarins 'Eye Contour Gel' which I was recommended after my facial last year. 

The Basics

Brand: Clarins
Name of Product: Eye Contour Gel
Purpose of product: To help aid with puffiness and dark circles
Price: £31 | Link
Where to buy: Boots
How much product do you get: 20ml
Who it's aimed for: All skin types but mainly for people that deal with dark circles or puffiness.

Product Description

A cooling, non-oily gel that's ultra lightweight and rich in plant extracts to help reduce puffiness and dark circles. Can be used any time of day and is fragrance free so suitable for even the sensitive of eyes.

How To Use

I apply it once in the morning before my moisturiser by lightly pressing it into the contour of my eye with my ring finger. I then follow up with the gel at nighttime once again before my moisturiser. 

Pro's

This was quite an average product for me so sadly there isn't a massive lot to say about the product. I found the product was quite cooling and even though it was a gel consistency it still dried quickly - which was great for rushed days where I had to apply makeup straight after washing my face. I found to make it even cooler I put it in the fridge, which then once applied was lovely and refreshing. It slightly limited dryness and redness, and also due to it being fragrance free it didn't upset my sensitive eyes which was great.

Con's

Overall, I found it didn't really help at all with my dark circles which was the main reason I bought the eye cream and the whole function of the product. I also realised, this was best for nighttime as I've found I need something a bit thicker and more of a brightening product during the day. Sadly, once I did some research into the product I realised once again, like my toner review {click here}, apart from the refreshing feeling it gave you, the ingredients ultimately give no benefits for the skin around the eyes.

Should I Buy It?/Do I Recommend?

Overall, I wouldn't recommend it - nor suggest buying it. I find for such a basic eye cream/gel that the only benefit is that it's refreshing is not worth the steep price tag. Especially, as even though it didn't upset my sensitive skin around my eyes I am aware there are plenty of other eye creams that achieve the same result and more, at a much better price point.

Rating

3/10

Thank you for reading,

I hope this helped and if you're interested in seeing any of more of my Clarins reviews {click here}, if you've recently tried an eye cream recently that you've loved don't hesitate to let me know as I clearly need a new one!

Toni and Guy Cool Defining Cream Review

Hey lovelies,

Apologies for lack of activity but sadly I've been logged down with exams and university assignments. But, finally I am free of all that and I'm super excited to review this 'Cool Defining Cream'*.

Basic Information

Brand: Toni and Guy

Name of Product: Cool Defining Cream

Purpose of product: To create smooth and sleek hair 

Price: £7.49

Where to buy: Boots | Link

How much product do you get: 100ml

Who it's aimed for: Any hair type or thickness, but especially frizzy, unruly hair. 

Product Description

With ingredients that soften and moisturise your hair, Cool Defining Cream keeps your style sleek and smooth with an icy shine finish. 

How To Use

I applied this on damp hair, after washing it by squeezing a 2p size amount (as I have a lot of hair, so use as much as your hair needs) and rubbed it between my hands before running through the bottom half of my hair, especially my ends. I did go in with a heat protectant after this, just to be on the safe side. Also, I let the product sit for a few minutes before drying my hair. 

Pro's

I have honestly really enjoyed using this product. I find it doesn't weigh down my already thick hair, nor does it make it greasy. It's such a lightweight cream that still makes my hair look straight and sleek. Furthermore, it also left it noticeably softer and shiner and smelt delicious! The smell also lasted throughout the day, which is a must for me. I also love how little product you need, making it something you can use for a long time - perfect for those budget tight students. (like myself). As you can see from the picture below, the texture is definately a white/clear, creamy texture that doesn't feel thick, greasy nor sticky.

Con's

Overall, there wasn't majorly any cons. I found my hair didn't last as sleek nor as straight as the day progressed - but that on some days was done to Englands un-predictable weather. 

Should I buy it?/Do I recommend?

Yes. I definitely think you should buy it. I wholesomely recommend this product, as I feel it left my hair straight, shiny and definitely more easy to style the next day. So, next time you're looking for a straightening hair product don't hesitate to pick this up.

Rating

8/10

Thank you for reading,

Please don't forget to comment, and follow me on my social media!

*I was sent this product for free, in return for an honest review.

Make-Up Favourites

Hey Lovelies,

This is my second post of my three part beauty favourites post, my final will be featuring hair products and my favourite outfit of the month. Click here to see the first part. 

As you can see most of these make-up favourites are for my face, but that's purely because I was on holiday quite a bit so I didn't always go for heavy make-up I just wanted a 'fresh' looking face. Furthermore, most of these products are quite quick and easy to use and all of these bar the foundation I normally carry around in my purse or make-up bag at school dependant on my look on the day.

First is the Bourjois 'Healthy Mix Serum' foundation in shade 'Beige Clair 53'. I purchased this because I needed the foundation due to gaining a tan and therefore being too dark for my previous foundation... And honestly this was one of the best decisions I've ever made! The foundation smells rather pleasant compared to most, it hasn't irritated my skin nor broke me out, I love the consistency/formula and it also gives amazing coverage. It doesn't layer on your face but hides all those pesky blemishes you're dying to hide. The only issue I have is it doesn't last an extremely long time but it would be fine from 9am to 3pm if you powdered throughout the day. Also, when it does fade it doesn't become blotchy or patchy. Click here to purchase for just £10.99.

Next is Dr Jart's '+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm Cream'. This I eventually bought from my wish list, which you can see here, and my oh my this is what I was looking for when I wanted a BB cream. It gives an amazing coverage, last ages, keeps my skin hydrated but doesn't increase oilyness (perfect whilst I was on holiday), has SPF 25 which has now become a major factor for me in base products and it's a decent shade for my pale skin. I beg all of you to go buy this, if you're wanting something that will help your skin whilst giving you a glowing look. So, if you desire to have the Millie Mackintosh look go buy it here for £18.

Third, is Rimmel's 'Wake Me Up' concealer, for £5.49 here, I'm in shade 'Classic Beige'. Yet again, I bought this concealer because my previous was too light for me to use with my tan and this is now and most likely forever will be my staple concealer. It gives amazing coverage, lasts a decent length of time and it has a luxurious creamy consistency. Therefore, it's amazing for under the eyes which is my main use for concealer as I have awful dark cicrcles. Even more so, it doesn't go in between fine lines and literally leaves me looking so awake and healthy - definite steal for such a cheap price!

Fourth, is a similar product to the 'Wake Me Up' concealer, it's Maybelline's 'Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer' for £5.49 here, I'm in the lightest shade 'Ivory 01'. This is pretty much a drugstore dupe of the YSL 'Touche Eclat' which my Mum owns. Funny enough I actually prefer Maybelline's, although YSL's packaging is much better! It's a lovely product and serves its purpose well, so if you're looking for a cheaper alternative to the 'Touche Eclat' here it is.

Next is eyes, and first is Soap And Glory's 'Supercat Eyeliner Pen Carbon Black Extreme', for £6.00 here. I love this as the pen is pretty thick which makes it super to do a dramatic eye, and the colour of the black is a very dark, dramatic one which I love. As sometimes I feel the black comes out a murky grey with other eyeliner pens. This is my go to product for liquid eyeliner, as it's a pen so is extremely easy to use. My only issue with this, is the fact you have to let it dry for a while as sometimes if I try and curl my lashes afterwards some of the eyeliner comes off. Secondly, is Rimmel's 'Professional Eyebrow Pencil' for £2.99 here, I'm in shade 'Ash Brown'. This is pretty much a basic eye pencil but I just really, really enjoy it and use this daily for my eyebrows. The best part about this product is that it even comes with it's own eyebrow brush which makes the eyebrow process that little bit less stressful when trying to make them look identical! Thirdly, and finally for eyes is Rimmel's 'Scandaleyes Shadow Stick' for £4.49 here, in shade 'Bulletproof Beige' [Swatch towards end of post]. I adore this stick so much! The colour is a lovely gold/champagne colour and looks so pretty. I normally use this to line my eyes with instead of an eyeliner and then just add some mascara. It's so quick and simple, but makes your eyes look so bright and beautiful! (I'm considering uploading a tutorial for this look as it's normally what I wear for college).

Finally, is Revlon's 'ColorBurst Lip Butter' for £7.99 here, in shade 'Lollipop' [Swatch at end of post]. This is another thing I absolutely adored on holiday, as they're quick, simple, bursting with pigment and actually last a really long time. Even more so, I love this colour because if you lightly apply it, it can look quite daytime and give a 'just been kissed' look whereas if you apply it fully it can look dramatic and gorgeous for a night out.

Swatch of 'Lollipop' and 'Bulletproof Beige':

(Sorry it's an awful swatch)

Thank you for reading!

Please feel free to share your favourites, and if you wouldn't mind a follow by clicking the lovely 'BlogLovin' icon to the side of this post would mean the world to me - literally (ok, ok, it would mean a lot).

Victoria Louise x

Mini Haul

Hey lovelies,
So sorry such a late post but I thought I'd do a mini haul blog post before I do a few big favourite posts.

(From Left to Right)

1) I love... strawberries & milkshake body wash. £2.99. I couldn't resist not buying this, the packaging is so cute and the smell is delicious!

2) Naturally Radiant Brightening Eye Cream. £5.99. I really needed a new eye cream as my Body Shop is on its way out and I wanted to try a new one to see if I was missing out on anything.

3) Bourjois Blushes in Golden Rose and Frosted Rose. £7.99. Both of these looked really pretty and I couldn't resist not buying them.

4) Rimmel Glam Eyes Mono Eye Shadow in Gold Rush and and Jet Black. £4.49. I really needed a plain black eye shadow and the gold just caught my eye.

Thank you for reading, I tried to keep this sort and sweet! 

Please follow me on BlogLovin, would mean a lot!

Victoria Louise x

Nivea Daily Essentials Tinted Moisturising Day Cream Review

Hey lovelies!

Sorry for the late post but it was my birthday yesterday so I've been really busy all week and today so I had to postpone doing this post till later today, a.k.a now. But today I'm going to be reviewing Nivea's 'Tinted Moisturising Day Cream'. I warn you lot this isn't going to be a positive review....

Basically this is the product, and it is supposedly for all skin types and has an SPF of 8. Now some of you will be thinking, "An SPF of 8?! What good is that going to do?" Now I must say, fair point but, here in the UK we hardly get any sun so it's not like I need a high SPF rating on my face. But, apart from that positive I really can't see any more real advantages. It does feel creamy when applying it but it is extremely difficult to blend and ends up seeming to dry on my face straight away, leaving it extremely patchy and streaky on my face (not a good look). My friend, also has this and seems to have the same issue with the fact if you swipe your face or even just press down lightly somewhere on your face, the moisturiser will instantly be removed and disappear off you face, leaving it even more streaky and patchy. I must admit it doesn't leave my face looking cakey, mainly due to the fact if I try to blend it with my fingers it just wipes off. Sadly, it doesn't last throughout the day either - by about lunchtime sometimes earlier it's completely vanished from my t-zone. Even more so, the only shade available is 'natural' which being the pale girl I am is way too dark for me and leaves me looking orange. I am going to consider taking this on holiday with me to use when I am the right shade and purely just to use it up but that's about all future use I will have for it.

I recommend this for anyone with possibly really dry skin and quite dark/tanned skin tones - anyone else, steer clear.

This can be purchased from Boots for £3.66, here.

Here's a swatch and then it blended into my hand, my rubbish camera actually did it some justice!

You can see it still looks patchy

If you're wondering why I keep doing negative reviews it's just because I'm trying to find a decent BB cream and/or tinted moisturiser so if you have any recommendations please let me know!

Thank you for reading, please comment, share and follow me either on here or BlogLovin,

Victoria Louise x

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream Review

Hey,

Well sorry I've disappeared this past week I was skiing in Bormio! It was a wonderful trip and I took quite a few products to try out and test. I will be uploading a few posts in the upcoming weeks; one will be the Emma Hardie Amazing Face skincare review, my recent Avon purchases, April wish list and another make-up review!

Review:

So, let's get down to the review of the Maybelline BB Cream. Personally, I am a major fan of BB creams as I love the idea around them and the fact they are supposed to make you look glowy and natural, with a slight sun-kissed look - one of my all time favourite looks as you can gather from my previous post.

Price - £7.99 from Boots, click here to purchase.

I took this as my coverage for my face during my holiday and wore it on the 27 hour coach drive to
Italy, yes you heard that right 27 hours! This gave me a perfect chance to see how well the BB cream lasts and what sort of coverage it gives in different weather conditions.

Overall, I wasn't that pleased - the product claims to: 

1.Create a natural glow.

2.Compliment skin-tone.

3.SPF30 UV protection.

4.Hydrate all day.

5.Blurs imperfections.

6.Oil free - non greasy.

7.Looks visibly fresh.

8.Feels fresh.

I feel that when applied it does feel fresh and I can't really comment much on the SPF side of things but it does feel so light on application and literally feels like you aren't wearing anything. Sadly, though it doesn't look like you are either. I feel that the shade I got which was 'Light' was slightly orange as you can tell, so for people with lighter skin tones than me be wary. Even more so, it's extremely watery to the extent it seeps out the bottle, so even though the packaging is wonderful and 'fresh' looking it does become dirty quite easily (as you can tell from mine!) Even more so, the coverage is rather poor and wearing it for at least 12 hours till I washed my face to try and sleep on the coach, it started to turn quite crumbly and appear dry on my forehead and nose - not pleasant. The only real bonus of this BB cream is the fact it's so liquidy and light you can easily apply it with your fingers, and isn't too difficult to blend into the skin - it's just extremely poor at coverage.

Swatch of shade 'Light'

Thank you guys for reading, please comment and share!

Victoria Louise x